I've done this twice myself.  I made appointments and found that both museum
directors to whom I spoke were very happy to talk to me.  Neither had a job
for me, but both were helpful with encouragement and advice.  Eventually,
the second visit resulted in a project that led to another project that led
to some contract work that led to a job.

I also found networking at conferences to be very helpful.  My very first
museum job came about by being in the right place at the right time speaking
to the right person; as did my current job.

Good luck,

Jerrie

Jerrie Clarke
Curator of Collections
Valdez Museum
http://www.alaska.net/~vldzmuse/index.html


>From: Brooke Weissert <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Informational interviews
>Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2001 16:16:22 -0500


>Please forgive this brief email relating to job searches.

I have often been told to request informational interviews with
organizations in which I am interested and am trying to use
this method in my current job search. (I have arts/
museum/marketing/pr/development experience) For me I see it as an
opportunity to make new contacts and get the word out (and my resume) to
people in the field as much as a chance for me
to better understand how to find a position with a not-for-profit arts
organization.

My concern is that I do not want to misuse the time of the person who is
kind enough to allow me to come in and talk with them for 15-30 minutes. (In
fact, I'm wondering if I should do this over the phone since people are so
busy.) Is there any advice anyone wants to offer about the best information
to try to glean from these brief informational meetings and how to be
prepared to ask the right questions?

Thank you.




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